Tag Archives: Lauren Pace

May 22, 2010: The first day of the rest of my life

By: Lauren Pace

It was the last day of my eighth grade career, and my mom was waiting in the pick-up line with a U-Haul trailer. I was leaving every single person I knew to come to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, because of my dad’s new promotion. Needless to say, I cried myself to sleep on the drive here.
Although my feelings towards leaving the good ole’ state of Texas were quite bitter, I also decided to make the best of this new start. I met some people from my church which helped me get to know a handful of people before going to school, but honestly, what helped me transition the most was attending Oak Grove’s Band Camp. Yes, I will admit, I was in band, which is not a bad thing at all. I was first chair, followed by Dalton Coleman (who was afraid to challenge me). I adapted well with all of the students in high school, and my freshman year was one that I will never forget.
It feels like it was yesterday that I was first walking through the doors of Oak Grove. Now, almost two weeks before graduation, it will be hard to leave this place. Although I have a serious case of senioritis, I will still miss coming to class and being with all of my friends.

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some advice I have learned throughout high school. First, make as many friends as possible, and don’t get into a certain click. It is good to have your close friends, but it also helps to be friends with everyone.  Next, it is okay if it seems like teachers don’t like you. Chances are, they do like you; but they probably just don’t like your work ethic. My last bit of advice is to enjoy every waking moment of high school. Once you get to this point in your life, you will look back and hopefully reminisce on all of the amazing times you have had in high school. These are the years of your life, and you should live with no regrets. So I leave all of you with the inspiring words from my mother, “live it up, baby!”

Leave a Comment

Filed under Features

Student Council Election Results

By: Lauren Pace

On April 23, Mr. Folkes announced the newly-elected Student Body and Class Officers. For the election process, students who were interested in running for office filled out an application form. This form stated what they were running for, and they had to get at least two signatures from teachers and eight signatures from students supporting their run for office. Ballots were then distributed to all of the advisors and students voted for one candidate in each category. Mrs. Ginger Haik, Student Council sponsor, and Ms. Kathy Smart then tallied all of the votes to see if run-offs were necessary.
After elections were held, six Student Body officers were elected.  This group will plan Homecoming and other events for the Student Council next year. The 2010-2011 Student Body Officers will be made up of four seniors and two underclassmen, all of whom are very excited about next year. “I am excited to already be brainstorming with the other officers and planning events to make next year a success,” Victoria Stein, newly-elected Student Body President, said.
Each grade has its own set of five class officers. The senior class officers will help with hall decorations during Homecoming Week, plan Student Council events, organize the presentation of the senior gift to the school at graduation, and plan the class reunions.  The junior class officers also have a number of responsibilities. Their main mission is the Junior/Senior Prom. Although it is not a school related event, they must help plan the Prom festivities as well as help with all of the other Student Council events and hall decorations the week of Homecoming. Sophomore and freshman officers are also required to help with Student Council events throughout the year as well as the hall decorations.
Student Council advisor Mrs. Ginger Haik is looking forward to next year and the new ideas these officers will bring. “We are very excited about the newly-elected officers that will serve next year.  They’ve already had a lot of new ideas to share, and I feel confident they will work to make next year a success,” Haik said.

Leave a Comment

Filed under News

Oak Grove students honored by fraternity

By: Lauren Pace

On January 23, 2010, three of Oak Grove High School’s seniors were recognized by the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity for their outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, and arts.

Kappa Alpha Psi’s motto is achievement. They were founded at Indiana University in 1991 and have grown to Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. The fraternity has trained over 125,000 men for leadership roles in their communities and for excellence in their academics.

Oak Grove seniors Antonio Benton, Kimble Allen, and Jay Hughes celebrated Founder’s Day at the Thad Cochran Center located on the USM  campus. Not only did Oak Grove students receive an achievement award, but also students from Hattiesburg, North Forrest, and Petal high schools were recognized as well.

The fraternity’s theme for the event was “Creating Inspiration: with Education as an Emphasis.” This annual event gives respect to the founding of the fraternity and recognizes achievement in the community. The most anticipated moment of the event was awarding the area’s high school students for their achievements, as well as announcing the Humanitarian Award.

The local speaker for the event was Dr. Jerlando F.L. Jackson, who is an Associate Professor of Higher and Post Secondary Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin.  C. Jerome Brown, president of the Hattiesburg Alumni Chapter, also spoke at the event explaining the background of the fraternity and the significance of the awards.

Mitchell Williams, WDAM Sports Director, was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award, which  recognizes individuals or organizations for a determined support of others and of their community.
Hattiesburg Coco-Cola was the sponsor of the event and were very proud to be a part of recognizing student achievement. “We think this is an excellent program that continues to motivate and inspire our youth to achieve positive things and we are proud to support it,” said Brad Brian of Hattiesburg Coco-Cola.

1 Comment

Filed under News

Spring sports review

Baseball

By: Luke Bush

Oak Grove baseball is getting ready to kick off another year. The season officially begins with the first game in the Oak Grove Classic Tournament being played at the Harry Breland Field. They are very hopeful for victory this season. “A lot of people are underestimating us,” Scott Weathersby, senior pitcher for the Warriors, said. “We discussed it as a team and our goal is to go to the State Championship. If we give it our all, there is no reason we can’t make it.” If the Warriors are able to hold up their promise, they will be traveling to Pearl, Mississippi, where the State Championship is played each year.

Weathersby is not the only one who will be pitching for the Warriors this year. The pitching rotation will include Casey Comfort and James McMahon. “Our team has a lot of talent this year with solid hitting, pitching, and defense,” Weathersby said.

This year should prove to be a promising year for the Warriors. The team is looking forward to seeing the support of students and the community.

Tennis

By: Kate Zachary

As the tennis season approaches, the new coach and 10th grade English teacher, Samantha Padgett, is excited about the new season. “My goal for the team this year is to represent Oak Grove High School with dignity as we travel to other high schools in the area. We want to enjoy and embrace the chance at camaraderie, sportsmanship, and the bond of being a part of a team, and hopefully we will perform as well on the courts as we do off the courts,” Padgett said.

Even though the team consists of new players this year, they are confident about the upcoming matches. “I expect the team to grow, to embrace and mentor our new, younger teammates, and to hopefully win some important matches,” Padgett said. “The road to state will be a difficult one this year, knowing that the team is young; however, we should never put anything past anyone. Doubt is an unhealthy quality as a coach or as a member of a team,” Padgett said.

Track

By: Taylor Herring

At the beginning of a new season, the track team hopes to get off to a strong start. The head coach, Robin Ryder, feels confident considering their successful 2008-2009 season. The team recently began daily practices, and Coach Ryder expects even more runners to join after soccer and basketball seasons end. As of now, the sprinters are full-speed running one mile a day; and the distance runners are doing up to eight miles a day. The official practice schedule begins February 8th; and Coach Ryder held a set of tryouts on February 1st. Ryder is looking forward to another successful season and reaching new goals. “Last year, we had more all-state runners than ever before. Hopefully we can build on that success,” Ryder said.

The team kicks off the season with a meet on March 1st in Slidell, LA.

Softball

By: Lauren Pace

The Lady Warrior Softball Team plans to have a very exciting season this year. With six of the 2009 All-District players returning, Coach Gary Ivy has high hopes for the season.

Last year, the team made it to the first round of the playoffs and finished with a record of 17-7. Head Coach, Gary Ivy expects to have another great season. “Our biggest competition would probably have to be Brandon or Clinton in South State,” Ivy said. Northwest Rankin currently holds the State Championship title.
The only returning varsity senior, Kayla Stanley, recently signed to play softball at The University of Southern Mississippi next year.

Recently, the team has been sprucing up the softball facility. They have a new bullpin area and are looking forward to a new field house. “The Lady Warrior softball team is on our upswing,” Ivy said.

The team is striving for many goals this upcoming season and hope to win the State Championship.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Sports

Senior soccer player shines on and off the field

By: Lauren Pace

Senior, Danny Hanson, is the captain of the 2009-2010 boys soccer team.  Hanson not only shines on the field, but he also excels in the classroom.

Hanson is the starting defender for the varsity boys team. With a record of 3-2, the team is sure to have an exciting season. “It started off good, but it got a little rocky” Hanson said, though he remains positive.  “It will be an excellent season.”

Hanson has been playing soccer since he was four years old. With the influence of his two older brothers, Hanson has always had a passion for soccer. Both of his older brothers were also varsity players on the Oak Grove boys’ soccer team. “Soccer wasn’t always a big deal for our family, but as we played it more and got older, it turned into one,” Hanson said.

Hanson is also a dedicated student who successfully balances academics with athletics. He is ranked in the top 30 students of the senior class and scored 32 on the ACT.  With graduation approaching, Hanson is preparing for life after high school.  “I am still undecided as to what I will do after graduating. I will either go to Mississippi State University or to an out of state college. I plan to major in some sort of engineering,” Hanson said.

Aside from school and sports, Hanson enjoys sleeping and cooking. “I like to sleep a lot,” Hanson said.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Sports

Hold on, I need to harvest my crops

By: Lauren Pace

Normally, I’m not the kind of person that takes part in Facebook applications. However, when the buzz started about the newest app called Farmville, I was curious as to what it was. After watching a friend play it, I saw absolutely no point to the game. Keeping up with a virtual farm by harvesting virtual crops, animals, and trees? No fun there. After ignoring request after request for me to join Farmville, I got really annoyed with how everyone seemed to be obsessed with this senseless game. I told myself, along with everyone else, that I would never fall into participating.  Who started the Farmville world in Oak Grove?

I decided that I would try to start an application frenzy myself. So, I chose the Happy Aquarium application which  consisted of feeding and training fish while cleaning their tank.  I wasn’t entertained at all and no one caught on to it like I had hoped. After a while, I finally decided to get a Farmville to try and experience it for myself. It’s wrong to judge something before you’ve actually tried it, right?

I can now say that I only check my Facebook account to get on Farmville. I check it religiously at around 10:30 p.m. to harvest my crops, animals, and trees. I caught on to the rhythm of the game and I passed level after level like it was no one’s business. I started sending all my neighbors gifts and helping with their farms.

Farmville is not just a game though, it also teaches responsibility. If you don’t harvest crops soon after they are ready to harvest, they wilt and you earn absolutely no profit. It’s rewarding to gain experience points and coins. It also teaches me how to manage money and how to be a good neighbor.

Farmville fanatics also strive to get ribbons. There are many ribbons that you can achieve and you gain experience and coins each time you get one. From being a “pack rat” to harvesting trees, there is a ribbon for almost everything. Some ribbons are more difficult than others, however. Like the Flower Power ribbon, for example. You have to harvest 25,000 flowers to get the blue ribbon.

Ever since I started Farmville, people have been criticizing me with rude comments. I understand completely. They probably just don’t see a point to the game. They were just like I was before I actually tried it. So, I ask all of you to at least try the game before you judge it. If you’ve tried it and you didn’t like it, props to you for at least attempting to get into it. But the others who hate on it without trying, give us Farmville addicts a break will you? Farmville is merely what we like to do in our free time.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Opinion

Soccer teams get a running start

By: Lauren Pace

After having an okay season last year, both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams feel confident that they will be much more successful this season. “We have come a long way since last year and we have real potential. I think we are going to go far in the playoffs this year,” boys captain, Danny Hanson, said.

Both the boys’ and girls’ teams kicked off the 2009-2010 season with a tournament at Gulfport High School. The girls’ team dominated Ocean Springs with a score of 2-0 and Gulfport with a score of 4-0. The boys, however, were not as successful. The team lost to Ocean Springs, 1-4, and to Gulfport, 0-2.

Both teams began the home season on November 10 by playing Petal High School. The girls defeated the Lady Panthers 1-0. After the game, varsity girls defender, Nikki Robinson, felt very confident about the season.  “I think we have enough talent to go to state and we’re excited about the season,” she said. In an intense rivalry, the boys were also victorious with a score of 1-0. Both games were filled with many heartpounding moments that made the game very enjoyable for fans.

“The girls have really worked hard and have the potential to do great things if they play together.  We have a lot of talent and athleticism and both Coach Smith and I are excited about this year’s season,” Coach Jill Breland, Assistant Girls Coach, said.

The girls play the Clinton Arrows at home on Saturday, November 14, at 11:00 a.m. The boys will also play the Arrows at their home turf on the same day at 12:30 p.m.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Sports

New restaurants bring unique family dining to community

By: Lauren Pace

With the addition of two new restaurants, Topher’s and Gatti Town, Hattiesburg restaurant owners will have new, fierce competition. Both new restaurants are getting heaps of business due to their delicious food, enjoyable atmospheres, and friendly service. Citizens in the Pine Belt area can always use new choices, but thanks to these new restaurants, the community is now able to enjoy different, delicous, and affordable options.

Many people in the area grew up with Mr. Gatti’s Pizza. Gatti Town is similar to Mr. Gatti’s and area residents welcome the new restaurant in hopes of new family experiences to remember. Topher’s, which is locally owned by Christopher McDonald who also owns Mugshots Bar and Grill, is a new burger joint located on the corner of Lincoln Road and Old Highway 11. Topher’s attracts many students, families, and visitors to the Oak Grove area and offers quality burgers with a flare.

With the economy slowing down, restaurants have struggled and many people choose to eat at home to save money. However, these two restaurants will potentially break this trend due to their exceptional food, affordable prices, and entertaining atmosphere.

Topher’s Rock’n Roll Grill

Burgers are the ideal meal for many students. Whether it’s for a lunch with the family or dinner with friends, burger joints are outrageously popular in the Hattiesburg area. Because of the massive popularity, burger joints have sprung up everywhere. But the best one, is the newly opened, Topher’s Rock and Roll Grill. The lively and energetic environment makes the restaurant one of a kind. Topher’s is known for their broad diversity of burgers and toppings. One burger that most people find odd is the Peanut Butter Burger. Although people may be somewhat put off by the thought of peanut butter on a burger, it is one of the most popular choices on the menu–don’t judge a burger by its topping. To compliment all of the wonderful burgers, a side of fries really does the trick. The fries have a seasoning that will drive anyone wild. Topher’s is conveniently located in front of Corner Market and has fast and friendly service, a combination that will guarantee big business.

Gatti Town

Gatti Town is Hattiesburg’s new place for fun. They have all-you-can-eat buffet lines of mouthwatering pizza and Italian foods. The seating is in theatres of either cartoons, sports, or just an ordinary seating room. However, this fun-filled environment doesn’t stop at the eating. The enormous arcade in the back has games for all ages. Whether it is bumper cars, Deal or No Deal, Guitar Hero, or racing games, Gatti Town has it all.

The exciting atmosphere brings joy to all ages. The friendly staff and delicious food will keep you there for countless hours. A popular favorite is the the cheese sticks. They are a delicious blend of fresh oven-baked bread and gooey cheeses. They are a perfect snack before playing the arcade and other games. Gatti Town is a fun and exciting new eatery for the whole family.

1 Comment

Filed under Entertainment

Former Warrior continues success on next level

By: Lauren Pace

Taiwan Easterling is a special football player. He is not only average, he is capable of almost anything on the field. Easterling is special in the way that many great wide receivers are special—the type of player who simply changes the complexion of a game by just being on the field. When the Florida State Seminoles are looking for points and the ball is passed down the field, fans and the opposing teams are usually looking for #8 to come down with the ball. Easterling brings an invaluable quality to the Seminole football team. Even when the team is behind, the coaches always feel like they have a chance to win with him on the field. He brings confidence and skill to the playing field each and every game.

Easterling graduated from Oak Grove High School in 2007. He began his football career as a quarterback at Magee High School for the first three years of high school and then transferred to Oak Grave and played wide receiver as a senior. Not only was he very skilled at football, but he was also very talented at baseball. Easterling had many options for college including Mississippi State University, Southern Miss, and West Virginia.  In the end, he decided to attend Florida State University and become a Seminole.

Easterling achieved many accomplishments throughout his high school career including being named Class 5A leader in receptions, “Dandy Dozen,” Mr. Baseball by the Clarion Ledger, and winning the 2007 State Baseball Championship with the Warriors.

Easterling spent his freshmen year practicing with the team and training for the next year. He was considered one of Florida State’s top offensive weapons during his sophomore year. He had a great season with an unforgettable touchdown against Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, in early February of this year, during off-season training in the spring, he ruptured his left Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel.  He went through surgery in late February and then proceeded through several months of physical therapy.  Easterling was given little hope of returning anytime soon; however, Easterling finally recovered enough to return to the field.  When he played, he appeared as though he had never been injured. People were shocked at how fast he went through his recovery.
Florida State has a very good football program and holds many national championships with Coach Bobby Bowden. Although they have not been as successful in recent years, they might be on their way back up this year. In 2009 they were 9-4 and this year they have started the season off at 2-2.

Easterling is an extremely talented athlete and Oak Grove was lucky to have him his senior year. Oak Grove definitely had a hand in preparing him for what could be his future career.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Sports

Who are they really?

From aerobics instructors to retired National Guard members and organists, teachers lead more interesting lives than what meets the eye.

Mrs. Kelly

By: Taylor Rigney

Mrs. Kelly always planned on being a teacher, even from a young age.  “I’ve known for a really long time that I wanted to be a teacher, and I’ve always loved French, and I just wanted to share that with others,” said Mrs. Kelly, or Madame Kelly as she’s more commonly referred to by her French students.  If you took Spanish as your foreign language credit, you really missed out, because Mrs. Kelly is a passionate teacher, and she makes it obvious that she genuinely loves her job and cares about her students.  She makes learning a foreign language fun through her creative songs and interactive activities, while also taking the time to make sure each of her students fully understands the concepts she is teaching.  Never accepting less than 100% from herself, she expects the same from her students.  In fact, many previous French students who took her class went on to place on the National French Exam.  “The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing that light bulb go off when a student finally understands something,” she said.  Even last year, Mrs. Kelly never slowed down, up until the day she left for maternity leave.  She even did some “extra credit” work, teaching an aerobics class at her church when she was 8 months pregnant!  As you can see, it’s not easy to break Mrs. Kelly’s energetic and optimistic personality.

Born and raised in Clinton, Mississippi, Jennifer Kelly, then Jennifer White, attended Clinton High School.  It was there that Mrs. Kelly first discovered her love for the French language while taking her very first French class in the ninth grade.  “It was just a pretty language, and I had always taken ballet, so I guess that’s one reason why I liked it.  I also just really like words,” she says.  It was also at Clinton High School that Mrs. Kelly met her husband, Ryan, whom she started dating when they were both juniors.  Mrs. Kelly describes herself as a teenager in high school as “the ‘nice girl.” I was the girl that everybody knew, but I didn’t really hang out with the ‘in’ crowd.  I didn’t really belong to a specific group either.”  After high school, Mrs. Kelly went on to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, where she majored in French and was even lucky to get the chance to live in France and study abroad during college. “It was different, but really fun.  I loved being immersed in the language and having to use it all the time,” Mrs. Kelly said of her time in France.

Now, when she isn’t teaching French, an aerobics class, coaching the girls’ cross country team, or even going for a nice run, Mrs. Kelly mostly enjoys relaxing at home and spending time with her husband and five-month-old daughter, Elizabeth Anne.  Mrs. Kelly, a USM graduate, is also a huge Southern Miss fan (if the many black and gold posters with Coach Fedora’s picture on them hanging in her classroom didn’t already give that fact away).  You can catch her at The Rock for any home game, cheering on the Eagles.  If she’s not supporting her team, however, Mrs. Kelly is probably taking it easy at home, watching one of her favorite romantic comedies, or her guilty pleasure, The Bachelor.  “It’s kind of embarrassing to admit that I like to watch it, but I do,” a laughing Mrs. Kelly said of the reality TV show.

Obviously, Mrs. Kelly has a rare and refreshingly optimistic view about her job, and life in general, for that matter.

Mr. Kendrick

By: Sydney Sanders

Mr. Kendrick is the comedian and wisecracker among faculty, staff, and students at OGHS. On what many might classify as a good day, students walk into class to find their teacher absent, and in the teacher’s place is Charles Kendrick, known to many as Coach K.

Usually, the first thing students notice is the name Mr. Kendrick$ on the board. Soon after follows one of Mr. Kendrick’s many amusing stories.

“Hey, class. I’m Mr. Kendrick, your substitute.” Kendrick says as he points to the board. “Many of you put an ‘s’ at the end of my name, but unfortunately, my family is not rich. I often tell folks, if you have an ‘s’ at the end of your last name, you’re a wealthy person.”

Although Kendrick retired in 1998 as a coach at West Marion, he commutes from Columbia daily to substitute here.
“To tell the truth, I love teaching so much I would probably still come without pay,” Kendrick said. “But, don’t tell Mr. Folkes that!”

A native of Columbia, Kendrick coached girls’ basketball for several years and taught physical education and history. He taught alongside his wife, Barbara, for several years at West Marion. “I was married to Barbara on October 30th,” Kendrick said. “It was so close to Halloween, you could say I got tricked!”

Basketball has always been a passion of Kendrick’s. He played center and forward at Hub High School and once led a victory against Varnado High School, scoring 46 points alone. With a full basketball scholarship to PRCC, Kendrick played for two years until he ruptured a disc. He played alongside LCSD Assisant Superintendent Carolyn Adams’s brother, Clinton, and won the state championship against Itawamba his freshman year. He received a Bachelor’s degree from USM and a Master’s degree from Mississippi State in counseling. He also served in the National Guard for 22 years.

Kendrick started at Oak Grove soon after the new high school was built in 2000. “I decided to come check the school out,” Kendrick said. “Folkes beat me so many times when we were coaching girls’ basketball against each other; he had to give me the job.”

Outside of school, Kendrick enjoys keeping up with sports and spending time with his two children, three grandchildren, and Shih-Tzu, Teddy.

Although, Kendrick is a fan of war movies, gospel music, and Fox and Friends, his passion is teaching. “The years I coached were the most rewarding times in my career,” Kendrick said. “I always hated going away on trips, though. My team never had many victories often, and I wanted to win for the team’s sake more than anyone. Coaching has taught me a lot about sportsmanship in life.”

Mr. Cooley

By: Lauren Pace

Mr. Cooley is from the quaint town of Lumberton, Mississippi. After graduating from Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi with a music education degree, he began to work at a neighboring school district before coming to Oak Grove.  Aside from being a music director, he is also a bus driver at Oak Grove.

Mr. Cooley doesn’t have any “hobbies” per se, but he is very involved with activities at his church. He is the organist and director of music for his church and he plays the piano for a Christian ensemble. An interesting fact about Mr. Cooley that most students do not know is that when he eats cereal with milk, he puts lots of ice in with it. “It keeps it cold,” laughed Cooley.

Mr. Cooley is very passionate about teaching. “Seeing students that I’ve taught over the years becoming successful individuals is the most rewarding part about teaching. However, the most frustrating part of teaching is trying to convey my wonderful knowledge to students when they are off in their own world, wherever that is. I’m afraid to know,” said Cooley. “My most memorable moment was when one of my former students came to me and told me how much I was an inspiration to him across the years,” said Cooley.

When Mr. Cooley was in high school, he was known as the “average Joe”, and a band geek. It may be surprising that he was often notorious for being a clown and a prankster.

Like many, Mr. Cooley’s favorite movies are all of the Madea movies. He enjoys pretty much all genres of music, that are decent. Also, he is fond of all oldie television shows. He loves to read anything that is attention-grabbing.

Mr. Cooley is one of the many people that make Oak Grove High School special. His excitement and passion for sharing education with others is what really makes a teacher unique. Oak Grove High School is honored to have teachers like Mr. Cooley.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Features